Every election Canadians are asked to change to a more “fair” voting system (often by the losers), but if we did, what would proportional representation change? The next Big Thinking lecture series brings academics together to compare the options, 7:30 to 8:45 a.m., Parliamentary Restaurant, Centre Block. All are welcome. Tickets: $25, includes hot breakfast. www.ideas-idees.ca

Filmmaker Philip Hoffman’s will be in at a screening of his most acclaimed works in celebration of his receiving a Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts this year, 7 p.m., Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave. Tickets: Free, open to all. Two days later, on Thursday, there will be an opening event of an exhibit of the other winners’ works at the National Gallery of Canada, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. www.cfi-icf.ca / gallery.ca

Fans of Coeur de Pirate (whose shows always sell out) may want to check out Montreal songstressFanny Bloom‘s show, part of a small Emerge Music Festival over three days at Café Nostalgica. She has a big voice, classical training and while her original forays into music-making were pop dance, she has now moved into solo performances with just a piano. Her music, even reworkings of her earlier pieces, are best described as orchestra folk-pop, reminiscnet of the previously mentioned Béatrice Martin but also Martha Wainright and (get ready for the compliment), Kate Bush. She’d got a new album coming out March 25 and while only one single has been released, the show is sure to be full of spoilers. In French, 8 p.m., Café Nostalgica, 601 Cumberland Ave. Tickets at uottawa.ca/communitylife

Related

Ben Put pours in the textured milk to create a design at Phil & Sebastian Coffee Company at the Calgary Farmers’ Market.(PChristina Ryan /
Calgary Herald

It’s a barista battle, or Latte Art Throwdown as its officially named, where rookies to seasoned pros will compete in different categories to see who pours the most beautiful, artistic foam around (plus bragging rights and prizes). There will also be music and, given the location, some delicious noms and probably some lattes to drink. Sign up to compete starts at 6 p.m. with the frothing underway at 7 p.m., Art-is-in Bakery, 250 City Centre Ave., Bay 112-114. Cost: $10 to compete, free to enjoy. www.equator.ca / www.artisinbakery.com

And it is not a bad idea to drink a lot of coffee to make the laughs on offer for the rest of the night that much more raucous.

Charles Ross performs his One Man Star Wars Show (Lucas endorsed) as a fundraiser for the Fringe Festival on March 23.Dean Kalyan /
supplied

First: You’re actor Charlie Ross who does not know George Lucas but have an affinity for lightsabers and have memorized every single line of Star Wars, as you’ve seen episodes VI to VI 400 times (’cause you grew up without cable TV): so what do you do? Put on a One Man Star Wars show/parody, running through every famous quip, plot element, character, musical theme and bleep-bloop to the glee of audiences — albeit without those high-end special effects. The show has played in over 500 cities on four continents, now on for one night only as a fundraiser for the Ottawa Fringe Festival, 7:30 p.m., Centrepointe Dr. Tickets: $45. (Somewhere in his over 4,000 performances, Ross did perform it for Lucas, who approved.) centrepointetheatres.ca

Then: 10 local comedians will be performing on one night in the select, Just for Laughs Ottawa showcase as they vie for a spot in the coveted Just for Laughs show in Montreal, 8:30 p.m., Yuk Yuk’s, 292 Elgin St. The show is uncensored, so come prepared for that. Tickets: $10.62+. yukyuks.com

Canadian Improv Games start Wednesday.

I have written this before and will write it again: Never, ever have I laughed so hard than at the Canadian National Improv Games (that’s with delight, not schadenfreude). The best of the country’s high school improv teams are in town this week to compete against each other at the NAC in good-natured, witty and downright silly events, starting tonight and culminating in the final on Saturday. Suitable for anyone who can withstand hours of belly laughs. Tickets: From $15. nac-cna.ca

On a more serious (but fun) note, Venus Envy our friendly neighbourhood sex and education store is offering a workshop on creative sex, taught by a fun, positive, passionate couple who know what it means to be innovative(or using wheelchairs as sex aids), as he lives with a disability, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Open to all bodies who want to learn to have “the best sex ever.” Cost: $15-$25. Register at venusenvy.ca.

Thursday, March 24

Got one of these, and EP and some dreams? There’s a seminar on tonight for you. bertys30 - Fotolia

Hey, you. You with the guitar or synthesizer and a dream of making music your only job should head to the free seminar on managing your music and business, part of the Long & McQuade “university” seminars this month in the music and recording store (held on Thursdays at the Alta Vista location, and Wednesday in Kanata.) The classes are popular so best to contact the store to reserve a spot, 2631 Alta Vista Dr. www.long-mcquade.com

Do you know what to take to be safe (and happy) on a hiking, camping trip?Grant Black /
Calgary Herald

The baseball and hockey fan is going to be town tonight, as there are two competing events at the same time. The popular tour, Pitch Talks, where baseball storytelling gets real for the baseball fans is back, 8 p.m., Zaphod Beeblebrox. The Blue Jays and MLB will be the topic for experts Jamie Campbell, Tao of Stiebe, Arden Zwelling, Rich Griffin, and Ottawa Champions’ general manager Ben Hodge ($20-$25). Now, there is also a hockey option, Puck Talks, with sports writers Ian Mendes, Chris Johnston, Bruce Garrioch, Down Goes Brown (aka Sean McIndoe) and Shannon Proudfoot, 8 p.m., The Senate. Tickets: $20-$25 at each. spectrasonic.com

Those ready to graduate from car camping to pack camping (when you carry everything you need into the woods on your back), may want to pick up some tips on what to bring, what not to bring, and how to survive from Doug Logan, who pack camps year-round, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Dovercourt Recreation Centre, 411 Dovercourt Ave. (He will also share some tips on where to try it out.) Cost: $10. westborobrainery.com

Friday, March 25

There be bunnies and other little animals at The Farm.

Spring arrives with an abundance of newborn animals, from bunnies to little lambs, new chicks and ducklings at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum (aka The Barn) and all are invited to meet and touch them. There will also be lessons in and tastings of chocolate and the annual egg-hunt, with options for children six years and under, and a signs of spring adventure for those older, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 86 Prince of Wales Dr. NB: Parking will be free, but admission prices will be changed for Easter: $30/family, $11/adult, $10/student/senior, $9/child. On to March 28. cafmuseum.techno-science.ca

It’s egg-hunting time.Francis Vachon, special to the Edmonton Sun

Aylmer’s third Easter egg hunt gets started at 10 a.m., rain or shine, with zones suitable for different ages newborn and up, Parc Louis Roy, Gatineau. There will also be face painting and games. Cost: $5/children, $10/family, cash only. Please pre-register so there are amply supplies (last year they had to turn some unhappy children away.) http://on.fb.me/1nMJ67A

Handel to Vivaldi is on the program of the sacred baroque works concert this Good Friday, performed by Thirteen Strings Orchestra and the Seventeen Voyces Choir, with soloists soprano Jennifer Taverner, countertenor Daniel Cabena, tenor Charles Sy, 8 p.m., Dominion Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper St. Tickets: $10-$40. www.thirteenstrings.ca or call 613-738-7888.

It’s Ming Break at The Black Sheep Inn, with performances by Loon Choir, Slack Bridges, Fire Antlers, a BBQ and prizes for best costumes — think zinc cream, day-glo sunnies and beach balls — hosted by photographer Ming Wu, who has captured a photographic history of the city’s indie community since 2008, 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $10 in advace, $20 including bus ride from Ottawa. theblacksheepinn.com

The Zolas are in town with a brand-spanking new album, Swooner (released March 4), that may be a the summer hit for those who prefer some versatility in their playlist: it’s toned down experimental pop, but tempered with a witty nod to 90s dance and alt-rock — think Foo Fighters and Veruca Salt. They’re in town with two new members, and a bit of synth fun, sharing the sttaeg with Toronto indie rockers Grounders and Ottawa’s Moroccan Sun, 8 p.m, Zaphod’s. Tickets: $10 in advance. zaphods.ca

Take it down, though, with dream pop to experimental soft electro at Flapjack’s with Ottawa band Saxsyndrum, Smileswithteeth, Pipahauntas, and Frayd, 10 p.m., 354A Preston St. Tickets: $7.

Saturday, March 26

Join in an all-day easter egg hunt and other fun activities for all ages at the Billings Estate.courtesy /
City of Ottawa

The Easter Bunny has hidden paper eggs all over the Billings Estate Historic Site location, to be traded in for chocolates, and will be glad to pose for photos with the newly-dyed eggs and handmade Easter baskets children have made, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 2100 Cabot St. Cost: $16.35/family, $10.20/pair, $6.15/person. www.ottawa.ca/museums

Curious Cottontail is throwing an Easter weekend party.

His friend, Curious Cottontail will be out to help find — or maybe help eat? — the treats to find at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum’s hunt, also with maple taffy on snow, vegetable gardening and a telling of the tale of Peter Rabbit, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 2940 Old Montreal Rd. Tickets: $18.40/family, otherwise $5.10-$7.15. www.ottawa.ca/museums

The Spring Fever Craft Show has over 40 local vendors selling their wares with live music playing and food to enjoy, from veggie dogs to poutine, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, Westboro Legion, 389 Richmond Rd. Admission: Free. facebook.com

Who will win the rubber chicken award, the coveted prize of the Ottawa Theatre Challenge, for which local thespians stay up all night (surely) crafting a scene based on objects of inspiration handed out 24 hours before show time. The hilarity of the performance will be assessed by the audience and a completely impartial panel of judges, though the notes tell me the panel are open to bribes. Of course, I was *never* offered anything (worthy) when I was a judge, 7:30 p.m., NAC Fourth Stage. Tickets: $20, with proceeds to the Actors’ Fund of Canada. nac-cna.ca

There will be vintage fashions, vintage-inspired appetizers and vintage cocktails at the Hop, Hustle , Pop & Lock fashion show and dance event, with raffle prizes from the hippest local vendors, music from Kitty Funk and Jas Nasty — all to benefit Harmnony House, 7 p.m,., Kinki Lounge, 41 York St. Tickets: $22, includes a drink and an appetizer plate.

Right. It’s big sounds and big parties tonight.

Monkeyjunk blues rock party band are throwing a two-day 8th anniversary show, or another excuse to party (and probably sellout), 8:30 p.m. tonight and an all-ages show tomorrow at 4 p.m., The Black Sheep Inn, (FYI: the 8th anniversary gift should be bronze or pottery, for those wondering what to get these guys.) Tickets: $20 in advance. theblacksheepinn.com

The label for Zaphod’s beer.

As part of their 25th year anniversary, Zaphod Beeblebrox is launching its very own beer made with Beau’s Brewery, Life, The Universe and Everything (name taken from their inspirational series by Douglas Adams and, we’re sure, the way some feel about beer). The brew is being launched in a special event with Juno Award winning pop-punk band The Flatliners, Audio Visceral and HELLbros and, we are told, there are only a scant couple dozen tickets left. Not surprising given the “infinitely improbable” brisk flavoured, hazy gold pale ale is to be their answer to the Ultimate Question of Life The Universe and Everything (and no, it is not called 42).Tickets: $17. zaphods.ca

Not to be out done, tonight, other local party favourite The Peptides, whose many members offersomething between theatrical pop genius the B-52s to an electronic soul beast from an alternate Motown era, are playing a dancing-fool party at the House of Targ, with “weirdo jazz rockers” The Holy Gasp from Toronto and Ottawa R&B pop group Old Stereo who, not surprisingly, will remind you of playing something on your old stereo, 10 p.m., 1077 Bank St. Tickets: $7 before 10 p.m. www.houseoftarg.com

On Easter Sunday, the Notre Dame Basilica will be holding services throughout the day, starting with a bilingual service at 9 a.m., in French at 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., and in English at noon and 7:30 p.m. www.notredameottawa.com

Enjoy hot cross buns to homemade marshmallow “peeps,” celeriac and goat cheese bisque to chilled shrimp tower, roast beef to gruyere scrambled eggs (hungry yet?) and many delightful treats at the Château Laurier’s Easter brunch in their ballroom, a tradition for many in the city, from 10 a.m. Reservations are recommended and remember, their parking garage is closed so other spots should be found. Cost: $89.69 incl. taxes and gratuitities included, half price for children 6 to 12 years old, five and under it is free. www.fairmont.com

For reasons that remain bemusing, Swizzles’ pub has been holding an annual Turnip painting event for the past seven years each Easter Sunday, and the tradition continues tonight, 7 to 9:30 p.m., 246 Queen St. All materials are provided, including raw turnips, but extra paints and vegetables are welcome, as are bunny ears and other costumes; Karaoke will follow. Admission: Free.

Submit event information to kendemann@postmedia.com, by 8 a.m. Monday, three weeks before the event. Photos, video files are welcome.

This Week's Flyers

Comments

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.